Gian-Cursio, C. (1953, May). Fasting. ANHS Program 1953, pp. 9- 10.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1953.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• Fasting is a natural physiological process in which the body, in the absence of food, enters a state of deep rest and renewal similar to hibernation. During a fast, the digestive system and musculature become inactive, allowing the body to focus entirely on healing and cellular regeneration. Diseased cells are broken down, healthy cells are rejuvenated, and the body eliminates toxins more efficiently. Despite widespread misunderstanding and criticism—especially from the uninformed or self-proclaimed experts—fasting is not starvation but a powerful biological tool for healing. Natural Hygienists have amassed extensive clinical experience proving fasting’s value in restoring health, far surpassing that of conventional medicine. The body, during fasting, intelligently uses only what is necessary from its reserves and discards toxic substances that impair function. While detoxification is important, the primary goal of fasting is to meet the body’s essential needs without the interference of digestion. Fasting requires minimal physical activity and plenty of rest to conserve energy. Misconceptions, such as attributing healing to water rather than the fasting process itself, obscure the real benefits. Ultimately, fasting, when properly conducted and understood, is a safe, natural, and profoundly effective method of restoring health.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1953, May). Health — It’s Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors. ANHS Program 1953, pp. 15-16.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1953.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• Health is created when the body skillfully utilizes external essentials—such as air, water, food, sunlight, rest, and emotional balance—by integrating them into its internal processes. These raw materials from the environment must be transformed and vitalized by the body before becoming usable, and this transformation depends on the body’s condition. If Natural Hygiene methods are used haphazardly or at the wrong time, they become ineffective; proper timing, order, and precision are essential. Health is not a vague or variable state—it is a singular, natural condition of optimal bodily function. However, many people appear healthy due to the body’s ability to adapt to harmful influences without showing immediate symptoms, a deceptive state known as pathological adaptation. Disease does not “invade” the body but arises when health-building conditions are compromised, triggering the body’s efforts to restore balance. Natural Hygiene does not cause life but enhances its expression by removing obstructions and allowing the body to fulfill its innate healing potential. Ultimately, the body is always striving for health, but human ignorance and poor habits often undermine its efforts.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1953, May). Commemorating by Dedicating Ourselves. ANHS Program 1953, pp. 30-31.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1953.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• This article emphasizes the urgent need to establish a modern College of Natural Hygiene to meet the growing demand for professionally trained Hygienists. While the Natural Hygiene movement has expanded significantly, the number of qualified professionals remains extremely low, with only one new practitioner emerging every few years. The centennial of Dr. Russell T. Trall’s original 1853 Hygeio-Therapeutic College serves as a powerful reminder of the movement’s roots and revolutionary spirit. Despite being over a century old, the principles of Natural Hygiene remain as relevant and vital today as they were then, particularly in a world facing increasing disease and health misinformation. The passage calls for committed, unselfish individuals to dedicate themselves full-time to advancing Natural Hygiene, both through practice and professional education. Without such efforts, the movement risks stagnation or decline. Establishing a dedicated educational institution would solidify the future of Natural Hygiene, serve as a legacy of truth and service, and provide lasting benefits for humanity. The author urges that this moment presents a unique spiritual and historical opportunity to ensure the enduring impact of Natural Hygiene.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1942). The Importance of Rest in Disease. Hygienic Review, November 1, Vol. IV (No. 3).
https://soilandhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/Natural-Hygiene-articles-by-Dr.-Herbert-Shelton.pdf

• The article “The Importance of Rest in Disease” by Christopher Gian-Cursio, published in the Hygienic Review (November 1, 1942), emphasizes the critical role of rest in the healing process, particularly during illness. Gian-Cursio argues that rest is one of the most essential components of recovery, allowing the body to restore its balance and focus its energy on healing rather than on digestion or other physical activities.
• He critiques the standard medical practice of prescribing medications or surgeries without giving sufficient attention to the body’s need for rest. Gian-Cursio stresses that physical and mental rest is necessary to support the body’s natural ability to detoxify, repair itself, and regain vitality. He explains that when the body is under stress or illness, it requires time and a quiet environment to recuperate, allowing the healing processes to work without interference.
• Furthermore, Gian-Cursio discusses how inadequate rest can hinder recovery and even exacerbate conditions. He explains that chronic diseases and even acute conditions can be aggravated when the body is not properly rested. He also emphasizes that rest is not limited to sleep but includes mental relaxation, cessation of physical exertion, and avoiding unnecessary stimuli or stressors.
• The article strongly supports Natural Hygiene’s emphasis on the body’s self-healing capacities, mainly through the fundamental and often overlooked principle of rest. Gian-Cursio concludes by urging people to recognize the importance of rest as a vital, natural remedy in treating disease rather than relying solely on external interventions.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1943). Defense of Natural Hygiene. Hygienic Review, Vol. IV (May, No. 9). 
https://soilandhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/Natural-Hygiene-articles-by-Dr.-Herbert-Shelton.pdf

• The article “Defense of Natural Hygiene” by R.C. Gian-Cursio, published in the Hygienic Review (May 1943), presents a strong case favoring Natural Hygiene as a holistic approach to health and healing. Gian-Cursio defends the principles of Natural Hygiene against criticisms from conventional medical practices and other health philosophies.
• In his defense, Gian-Cursio emphasizes the fundamental belief that the body can heal itself when provided with the right conditions—such as proper nutrition, rest, fresh air, and exercise—while avoiding harmful substances and medical interventions. He critiques the over-reliance on pharmaceutical drugs, surgeries, and other medical practices that he believes only suppress symptoms rather than address the root causes of disease.
• The article underscores the importance of understanding the body’s natural processes and the role of hygiene in maintaining health. Gian-Cursio also advocates for a return to nature-based, preventative health care methods, asserting that Natural Hygiene offers a more effective, ethical, and scientifically grounded approach to wellness than conventional medicine.
• In his closing remarks, Gian-Cursio calls for greater awareness and acceptance of Natural Hygiene as a valid and beneficial health system that values prevention, the body’s natural healing abilities, and an integrated approach to well-being.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1954, July). The Serious Need for Altruism. 1954 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 6- 7.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1954.-Chicago-Illinois.pdf

• It is perplexing that a movement as foundational and beneficial as Natural Hygiene lacks the financial support and philanthropy that have long bolstered the medical field, including research institutions, hospitals, and disease foundations. Despite its immense potential to advance health and prevent disease, Natural Hygiene remains largely unsupported by the very people who have benefited from it. Unlike medicine, which receives generous endowments even from those it failed, Natural Hygiene often sees its wealthier supporters remain passive, offering verbal praise rather than meaningful action. These individuals, having sought Natural Hygiene primarily for personal healing, often view it through a selfish lens and, once improved, withdraw from broader humanitarian concerns. Their inaction stems not from poverty, but from moral inertia and a lack of inspiration or example in altruistic leadership. While some may express good intentions, true commitment—especially the kind that involves sacrifice—is rare. The movement is hindered by this apathy, and until its members recognize and confront this selfish disengagement, Natural Hygiene will continue to struggle for the recognition and support it deserves. True progress demands selfless, sustained effort, not merely words or good intentions.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1954, July). The Laws of Life. 1954 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 12.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1954.-Chicago-Illinois.pdf

• Despite all of modern man’s technological and scientific advances, he cannot change the fundamental laws of life, which have remained unchanged since the beginning. True health and well-being can only come from returning to these ancient, natural principles. Natural Hygiene offers this path, helping people reject harmful modern habits and restore the body and mind to their original, healthy state. What seems new in Hygiene is actually timeless—rooted in the very foundations of life.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1954, November). Health. Journal of Natural Hygiene, 1(N3), 2, 14, 15.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N3-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• The concept of health is often misunderstood, and humans have long searched for external factors to explain and remedy health issues. In reality, health is a natural state inherent to the human organism, and its pursuit often involves misguided efforts that do not address the true causes of disease. Many people confuse “ease” or a superficial sense of well-being with actual health, not realizing that this “ease” can mask underlying disorders.
• Health can be assessed only by considering the individual’s history, as true health requires a balance of internal and external factors. Modern medical diagnoses of health often only declare the absence of detectable disease, while ignoring the environmental factors that may contribute to illness. Paradoxically, some people who live unhealthily may still appear “healthy,” while those who live healthily may still experience physical ailments due to past habits.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1955, January). Whole Foods Versus Supplements. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N5), 6-7.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N5-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• In this passage, Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio explores the complex and elusive nature of disease, discussing its mystery and how it has puzzled humanity for centuries.  Despite continuous research and evolving solutions, disease remains a paradox—both a constant part of life and a mystery that’s difficult to fully understand. The more we think we understand it, the more questions arise. Since the beginning of time, humans have been reluctant to take responsibility for the causes of their own illnesses. Instead, they often seek external causes or scapegoats for their diseases. Disease begins with a violation of natural laws, and each transgression increases the toxic impact on the body. These impacts are felt throughout the entire organism, and disease manifestation depends on constitutional factors. Disease is a phenomenon of life resulting from a combination of foreign and intrinsic factors in the body.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1955, January). Playwrights as Medical Reformers. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N5), 31-32.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N5-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• In Playwrights as Medical Reformers, Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio highlights the role of playwrights, particularly Molière and George Bernard Shaw, in critiquing the medical profession and advocating for medical reform. In 17th-century France, doctors were seen as highly respected figures, often draped in special attire that gave them an air of authority. However, Molière used satire to challenge this image through his plays, notably The Imaginary Invalid (1673). He critiqued the medical profession for its reliance on ineffective treatments and emphasized the healing power of nature over medicinal remedies.
• Dr. Gian-Cursio ties this critique of medical language to the power of Natural Hygiene, which, unlike medical jargon, is easily understood by both laypeople and professionals. He references Sylvester Graham’s The Science of Human Life (1839) as an example of a work communicating health principles clearly and effectively, fostering unity of thought between the author and the reader.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1955, Feb/Mar). Fasting. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N6-7), 9, 10, 11, 32.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N6-7-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• In Fasting, Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio discusses the physiological benefits of fasting, emphasizing that it is a natural process for the body. During fasting, where only filtered or distilled water is consumed, the body enters a state similar to hibernation, allowing for significant metabolic and regenerative processes. This immobilization, he argues, is the most profound state of rest the body can experience, enabling both diseased and healthy cells to rejuvenate and improve.
• Gian-Cursio critiques the scientific community’s approach to fasting, noting that many studies lack a focus on its health benefits. He argues that modern Natural Hygienists possess far more clinical experience with fasting than traditional medicine, which has often misrepresented its value. Despite misconceptions equating fasting with starvation or nutritional deficiency, Gian-Cursio asserts that fasting is essential for health and detoxification.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1955, Apr/May). Embrace Natural Hygiene. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N8-9), Pg19, 20, 22.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N8-9-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio discusses the importance of embracing Natural Hygiene as a way to combat the modern state of physical and mental inertia that leads to disease and suffering. He describes how people remain unknowingly trapped in habits and practices that undermine their health despite intense societal activity. Natural Hygiene aims to replace these harmful actions with beneficial ones, fostering a positive lifestyle that supports health and well-being.
• Gian-Cursio emphasizes that by adopting the principles of Natural Hygiene, individuals can overcome fear and anxiety about disease. Those who practice it no longer feel vulnerable to the diseases and misfortunes that affect others. Unlike the general population, who are often filled with fear and uncertainty about health, Natural Hygienists maintain peace of mind and a sense of optimism despite reports of illness or death.
• He critiques conventional medicine, suggesting that its reliance on treatments and cures leaves people in a constant state of worry, waiting for a “cure” to be found. Instead, he advocates for the wisdom and clarity that Natural Hygiene brings, helping people navigate life’s challenges and avoid the pessimism, cynicism, or resignation that often accompany health-related anxieties.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1955, Jun/Jul). Food and The Organism. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N10-11), Pg22-24.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N10-11-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio critiques the conventional view of food and nutrition, which often treats foods as isolated substances and focuses on their specific nutrient content (e.g., vitamins, minerals, proteins). He argues that this approach neglects the most critical aspect of nutrition: the health and functioning of the organism itself. The body’s ability to process food effectively depends on the food’s quality and composition and the organism’s internal health, including digestive efficiency, cellular health, and the removal of toxins.
• The key to adequate nutrition is understanding that the body and its condition are just as important, if not more so, than the food it consumes. A healthy diet alone is insufficient if the organism is burdened by dysfunction caused by wrong living habits. To restore true health, one must change dietary habits and address all aspects of life that affect well-being, ensuring that the body is nourished, cleansed, and revitalized. This holistic approach emphasizes that health depends on a combination of proper nutrition, correct lifestyle choices, and the removal of harmful, low-grade substances from the body.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1955, Jun/Jul). Natural Hygiene and the Seventh Day Adventists. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N10-11), Pg28-29.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N10-11-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• The Seventh-day Adventist Church has had a profound influence on the Natural Hygiene movement, closely aligning with its principles and promoting health reform. In 1865, they launched The Health Reformer, a health periodical that became a significant force in spreading health principles, emphasizing the integration of spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. Key figures in this movement, Mrs. Ellen G. White and her husband, were instrumental in combining the teachings of Natural Hygiene with their religious beliefs, fostering a holistic approach to health.
• Mrs. White, during the 1860s, visited the Hygienic Institution in Dansville, New York, where she saw firsthand the success of Natural Hygiene methods under Dr. James C. Jackson. This experience confirmed her belief in the importance of natural remedies. The Adventists adopted Natural Hygiene principles and promoted works by key Hygienic pioneers such as Sylvester Graham and Russell T. Trail, distributing their books worldwide.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1955, Aug). Defining Health. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1 (N12), pg 24-26.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N12-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio critiques the modern understanding of health, highlighting the inadequacies of scientific definitions that fail to capture the holistic nature of well-being. He argues that while specialists may excel in understanding individual components of health, they often miss the broader perspective that views health as an integral part of life, not something created by external interventions. 
• Addressed is also the widespread fear surrounding heart disease, particularly following public figures like President Eisenhower suffering from coronary events. This anxiety often leads people to adopt unhelpful or misguided health practices rather than focusing on preventive measures. He emphasizes that the heart, despite challenges, has a remarkable ability to function even in the face of impairment, especially when supported by the principles of Natural Hygiene. According to Gian-Cursio, this approach offers dramatic and tangible improvements in heart health, demonstrating the body’s natural healing capacity.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1956, Nov). Physiological Rest and the Conservation of Energy. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V2(N2), Pg11-13.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-2-N2-journal-of-Natural-Hygiene-November-1956.pdf

• In Physiological Rest and the Conservation of Energy, Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio discusses the importance of conserving energy for maintaining health and facilitating recovery. He argues that humans have a limited capacity for energy expenditure, and while fatigue and weakness signal the need for rest, these experiences should not lead to the misconception that illness and death are solely caused by running out of “vital energy.” Instead, illness arises when the body cannot effectively convert its potential energy into usable energy due to disease or dysfunction.
• Dr. Gian-Cursio introduces the principle of Physiological Rest, which emphasizes rest not as complete inactivity, but as a process that allows the body to heal by freeing it from obstacles—such as pathogens or dysfunctional structures—that hinder energy synthesis and release. During this rest, specific systems (like the muscular, sensory, and digestive systems) are immobilized to redirect the body’s efforts toward restorative processes, ultimately making energy more available for use.
• He also discusses the law of least effort, which suggests the body naturally strives to perform its functions with the least energy expenditure. The body may expend unnecessary energy when there are structural defects or external obstacles. Recovery involves removing these barriers to allow the body to function more efficiently and conserve energy.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1956, Winter). Disorders of the Mind. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V2(N1), Pg34-36.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-2-N1-journal-of-Natural-Hygiene-Winter-issue-1956.pdf

• Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio critiques modern psychology for its failure to address the root causes of mental disorders. He argues that traditional approaches, including psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, focus on symptoms rather than underlying causes, offering only temporary relief without curing the actual problem. These methods often divert attention from the true sources of mental disturbances, such as abnormal internal conditions created by poor lifestyle choices.
• Gian-Cursio also criticizes the use of drugs to manage mental disorders, noting that while they may offer temporary relief through “tranquilization,” they do not address the root causes of mental illness. Instead, they simply dull the mind’s awareness of its issues, exacerbating the underlying problems over time and leading to further physical and psychological deterioration.
• The author emphasizes that mental disturbances are not solely caused by emotions or faulty thinking but rather by deep-seated physiological issues within the individual’s internal environment. Emotional and cognitive disruptions are merely symptoms of these deeper, often imperceptible, imbalances. He suggests that abnormal thinking and behavior are not the causes of insanity but are part of the broader pathology created by poor living conditions and wrong choices.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1960). Eternal Health Truths of A Century Ago. Hygean Press. New York.

• This compilation revisits and celebrates the timeless principles of natural hygiene and health practices established in the 19th century. The book reflects on the foundational teachings of early hygienists, offering insights into health and wellness that remain relevant despite the passage of time.
• The book’s primary focus is to highlight the wisdom of health pioneers like Reverend Dr. Sylvester Graham, Dr. Russell Thacker Trall, Dr. Isaac Jennings, Dr. James C. Jackson, and others, whose work laid the foundation for the Natural Hygiene movement. These pioneers advocated for a lifestyle that emphasized proper nutrition, cleanliness, exercise, mental well-being, and the avoidance of harmful substances. The book underscores their belief in the body’s natural ability to heal itself when given the right conditions—principles ahead of their time and continue to resonate with modern health-conscious individuals.
• Through this compilation, Dr. Gian-Cursio educates readers on the core principles of Natural Hygiene and defends its relevance in the face of modern medical practices. The book stresses the importance of returning to basic, natural living practices—such as eating wholesome, plant-based foods, maintaining physical fitness, and ensuring sufficient rest—as essential components of long-term health and vitality.
• In essence, Eternal Health Truths of a Century Ago is a tribute to the pioneering hygienists of the past and a call to integrate their wisdom into contemporary health practices. It encourages readers to recognize that many of the “new” health trends and remedies have already been discovered by the great hygienists of the past and that true health is rooted in timeless, natural principles.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1992, Jan/Feb). Timeless Teachings – Isaac Jennings, M.D. (1788-1874) The world’s first hygienic doctor. Health Science, 15(1), 22. This article originally appeared in Dr. Cursio’s long out-of-print book, Eternal Truths of a Century Ago, and is edited here for Health Science.
https://www.healthscience.org/magazine/january-february-1992/

• This article originally appeared in Dr. Cursio’s long out-of-print book, Eternal Truths of a Century Ago, and is edited here for Health Science. Dr. Isaac Jennings (1788–1874) was a Yale-trained physician who abandoned bloodletting and drug-based medicine after witnessing a patient’s recovery without medication. He became a pioneer of Natural Hygiene, teaching that the body possesses an innate healing ability and that health is restored by removing the causes of disease while providing the body’s natural requirements. His influential writings, including The Philosophy of Human Life and The Tree of Life, helped shape the Health Reform movement and earned him recognition as one of the leading early Hygienists.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1992, Mar/April). Timeless Teaching: Harriet N. Austin, M.D. (1826-1891) – The world’s first woman Hygienic doctor. Health Science, 15(2), 22. This article originally appeared in Dr. Cursio’s long out-of-print book, Eternal Truths of a Century Ago, and is edited here for Health Science.
https://www.healthscience.org/magazine/march-april-1992/

•  Harriet N. Austin, M.D. (1826–1891) was one of the first graduates of Dr. Russell Thacher Trall’s Hygienic medical school and the first female professional practitioner of Natural Hygiene. A physician, teacher, editor, and health reformer, she influenced countless patients—including Clara Barton—while promoting natural health, dress reform, and the belief that lasting health comes from living in harmony with the laws of nature rather than relying on medical treatment.

Gian-Cursio, C. (1992, Sept/Oct). From The Archives: Sylvester Graham (1794-1851): People threw out their meat, whiskey, and white bread when they heard this fiery preacher of the gospel of health! Health Science, 15(5), 22. This article originally appeared in Dr. Cursio’s long out-of-print book, Eternal Truths of a Century Ago, and is edited here for Health Science.
https://www.healthscience.org/magazine/health-science-fall-1992/

• Sylvester Graham (1794–1851) was a pioneering advocate of Natural Hygiene who taught that lasting health comes through proper diet and healthy living rather than drugs or medical treatments. Despite intense opposition, his lectures, writings, and health reform efforts inspired thousands, helped establish the first health food store, and laid the foundation for modern natural health and vegetarian movements.

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The NHA wishes to remind the readers that nothing in this or other publications is intended to constitute medical treatment or advice. Readers should be aware that some previous publications do not reflect the NHA’s current health teachings or approach to health in several areas.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthy living. We recognize the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

We communicate the benefits of a plant-based diet, exercise and rest, a healthy environment, psychological well-being, and when indicated, the use of fasting.